The authors focus on cardiovascular function, stress regulation, inflammation, and long-term health outcomes. Many of these areas are particularly relevant during menopause, when hormonal changes shift how the body responds to stress, circulation, and repair.

You can find the full article here: https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/49430

Cardiovascular effects highlighted in the review

One of the strongest conclusions in the review relates to cardiovascular health. The authors note that sauna bathing produces physiological responses similar to moderate physical exercise. Heart rate increases, blood vessels dilate, and blood flow improves during heat exposure.

As discussed in the review, repeated sauna use has been associated with lower blood pressure, improved vascular function, and reduced arterial stiffness. The authors highlight evidence linking frequent sauna bathing with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular-related mortality.

This finding is especially important in menopause, when declining estrogen contributes to increased cardiovascular risk and reduced vascular flexibility.

Stress, mood, and nervous system regulation

The review also discusses the impact of sauna use on mental health and stress physiology. According to the authors, heat exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system briefly, followed by a parasympathetic rebound once the session ends. This pattern promotes relaxation and nervous system regulation.

The authors report that regular sauna use is associated with reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Improved sleep quality and endorphin release are proposed mechanisms contributing to these effects.

For menopausal women experiencing sleep disruption, heightened stress reactivity, and mood changes, this nervous system modulation is particularly relevant.

Inflammation and cellular adaptation

As noted in the review, sauna bathing induces heat stress that activates protective cellular pathways, including the production of heat shock proteins. These proteins play a role in cellular repair, inflammation control, and resilience to physiological stress.

The authors describe evidence suggesting that regular sauna use may help reduce chronic low-grade inflammation. Since inflammation tends to increase during menopause due to hormonal shifts and metabolic changes, this mechanism may offer meaningful supportive benefits.

Longevity and overall health outcomes

The review highlights large observational studies linking frequent sauna use with improved quality of life and reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. While the authors emphasize that sauna bathing should not be viewed as a standalone intervention, they describe it as a valuable lifestyle practice that supports multiple systems simultaneously.

The review also notes that sauna use is generally safe for healthy individuals when hydration is maintained and alcohol is avoided, while recommending medical guidance for individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions.

Why the findings matter in menopause

As outlined in this review, many of the physiological benefits of sauna use overlap with systems affected by estrogen decline. These include vascular health, stress regulation, inflammation control, and cellular repair.

Menopause removes a layer of hormonal protection that once supported these systems. The findings summarized by Dudzik and colleagues suggest that sauna use may help partially support these functions during this transition.